Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass valued for its dense growth habit and ability to form a thick, carpet-like lawn. Once established, this grass is known for its relatively low water requirements and excellent resilience in warm climates. Extensive breeding has yielded a wide range of varieties with distinct differences in texture, appearance, and performance. Understanding the foundational species helps differentiate the many types of Zoysia grass available for home lawns and commercial landscapes.
The Three Botanical Species
Most modern Zoysia cultivars trace their lineage back to three primary botanical species. Zoysia japonica is recognized for its superior cold tolerance, making it suitable for the challenging transition zone. It is characterized by the coarsest leaf texture among the species and is often called Japanese or Korean lawngrass.
Zoysia matrella, commonly known as Manila grass, offers a finer leaf texture than Z. japonica. This species provides a high-quality turf surface and is a parent to many popular, medium-textured commercial hybrids. Z. matrella types often display better shade tolerance, though they are less cold-tolerant than Z. japonica.
The third species, Zoysia tenuifolia, possesses the finest leaf texture, creating an extremely dense, almost moss-like appearance. Due to its very slow lateral spread and tendency to form small, puffy mounds, Z. tenuifolia is less frequently used for large lawn areas. It is primarily utilized as a groundcover or ornamental grass.
Popular Commercial Cultivars Grouped by Texture
Commercial Zoysia cultivars are grouped by leaf texture, ranging from coarse to fine, reflecting traits inherited from their parent species.
Coarse-Bladed Varieties
These varieties, primarily descendants of Z. japonica, are noted for their durability and fast establishment. Empire Zoysia features a wider blade and is recognized for its robust, low-maintenance profile and good wear tolerance. Palisades is another medium-coarse cultivar known for its excellent recuperative ability and ability to thrive at a slightly higher mowing height.
Medium-Bladed Varieties
Medium-bladed varieties strike a balance between the durability of coarse types and the refined aesthetics of fine types. Meyer Zoysia, a well-known cultivar, falls into this category with its medium-coarse texture and long-standing performance in the transition zone. Zenith, a seed-propagated variety, exhibits a texture and appearance comparable to Meyer. El Toro is a popular medium-textured option recognized for its relatively faster growth rate and improved shade tolerance.
Fine-Bladed Varieties
Fine-bladed varieties are prized for their exceptional density and manicured appearance. Emerald Zoysia is a classic hybrid that delivers a dense, dark green, fine-textured turf surface. Newer cultivars like Zeon Zoysia and Zorro Zoysia are sought after for their soft, velvet-like texture and ability to create a smooth, dense lawn. These types tend to have a slower growth rate, requiring less frequent mowing, but they often demand a lower mowing height to maintain their premium aesthetic.
Environmental Performance and Selection Factors
Beyond physical appearance, the major differences among Zoysia types are seen in their performance under various environmental stresses, guiding the selection process for different climates. Cold tolerance is a primary concern in northern parts of the warm-season growing area.
Cultivars derived from Z. japonica, such as Meyer and newer hybrids like Innovation Zoysia, are the most reliable choices. These types retain their ability to survive winter dormancy better than the more tropical Z. matrella varieties.
Shade tolerance is another significant differentiator. Many fine and medium-bladed Z. matrella descendants generally outperform the coarse Z. japonica types. Cultivars such as Zorro, Royal, and Cavalier have demonstrated superior performance in environments with reduced sunlight. While Zoysia is known for its drought resistance once established, the coarser varieties often have deeper root systems, contributing to improved drought hardiness.
Maintenance requirements vary based on the cultivar’s texture and growth habit. Fine-bladed varieties need a reel mower and a low cutting height (0.5 to 1 inch) to achieve the desired manicured look. Coarse and medium-bladed types are more forgiving and can be maintained with a standard rotary mower at a higher height (1 to 2 inches). All Zoysia types spread by rhizomes and stolons, leading to dense turf that requires occasional dethatching to manage thatch accumulation.